Establishment of QR codes in PSV roll-out

The installation of QR codes within public service vehicles (PSV) in the Western Division was well underway, says Land Transport Authority Lautoka Branch manager Semi Tuinaceva.

“We rolled this out last week through the MTTT (Ministry of Trade and Tourism). As we speak, we are doing approvals to give the QR codes to operators in relation to public service vehicles,” he said.

“So all buses and taxis, all public service vehicles will have it and they apply through a portal and if approval is granted then it can be done and some driving schools have already implemented this.”

Screening, implementation

He said there would be a large number of taxi permits to screen.

“There are 1400 taxi permits in Lautoka but this will be implemented in all Public Service Vehicles and commercial vehicles,” he said.

Fiji Taxi Association president Raben Singh said certain factors would have to be taken into consideration.

“We can do it, but it depends on which drivers want to do it but the major problem is the code because some passengers haven’t got a mobile when they come from the interior but 60 per cent of them do have mobiles,” he said.

“We are trying to sort it out, and we have Skype meetings once a week with district presidents and secretaries and we have discussions about this because we will have to talk to the LTA and Police for the sake of everyone.”

Fiji Bus Operators Association president Nisar Ali Shah said he would comment once he received more information on the initiative.